The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Gerald Alex Wolford, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company D, 3d Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 31 March and 1 April 2003, in Iraq. When his gun truck was hit with two rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire, Staff Wolford pressed on to lead his heavy machine gun section through a four-hour battle to secure three river crossings in Ah Samawah, Iraq. Staff Sergeant Wolford’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
Staff Sergeant Wolford demonstrated outstanding valor and personal courage while serving as a Heavy Machine Gun Section Leader during a Battalion river crossing in As Samawah, Iraq. Approaching the city, Staff Sergeant Wolford’s section engaged an enemy vehicle with a machine gun mounted in the rear and this initiated the firefight. While the members of the section located and silenced targets of opportunity, Staff Sergeant Wolford directed his .50 caliber gunner onto the highest payoff targets and engaged targets with his M4. After receiving light machine gun fire from a fortified position and being unable to suppress this fire with small arms, Staff Sergeant Wolford silenced the position using an AT-4. As the approach to the city continued, Staff Sergeant Wolford continually placed his vehicle between the enemy and the dismounted infantrymen accompanying them. After entering the city and small arms fire continued, Staff Sergeant Wolford continued to direct .50 caliber fire into positions on the far side of the river and engaged targets of opportunity with his M$ until he was made aware of an enemy strongpoint near the second bridge. Upon learning of this strongpoint which had an infantry squad fixed into position, Staff Sergeant Wolford moved his vehicle forward to a position with overhead cover under the second bridge. Immediately upon occupying this position the vehicle received small arms and machine gun fire from a fortified enemy position and Staff Sergeant Wolford ordered an AT-4 readied to fire. Prior to the AT-4 being readied an RPG struck and two members of his crew took wounds from the shrapnel as well. After the RPG impacted, Staff Sergeant Wolford directed his crew to withdraw and, taking the wheel of the vehicle, fell back to a more defensive position on the near side of the bridge. At this point Staff Sergeant Wolford moved his wounded soldiers to the CCP and then returned to his vehicle, refusing medical care from the medics present. Upon returning to the vehicle Staff Sergeant Wolford continued to direct heavy weapon fire on the enemy and maintained a position between the dismounted infantry and the enemy. When it became necessary to move the vehicle forward to provide further security, Staff Sergeant Wolford moved and escorted a dismounted infantry squad to a more forward position and his vehicle was again engaged by an enemy RPG, destroying the vehicle’s right rear tire. After assuming a stronger position, Staff Sergeant Wolford continued to engage the enemy with his M4 and direct his .50 caliber gunner when a third RPG detonated a short distance away on the riverbank near his truck. Another RPG was fired towards the truck and passed directly over the heads of Staff Sergeant Wolford and his .50 caliber gunner and the firer was killed by supporting fire from the other vehicle. Upon receiving the order to pull out of the city, Staff Sergeant Wolford repositioned his vehicle and provided security for the remainder of the platoon prior to leading the exfiltration. Throughout the firefight Staff Sergeant Wolford continuously exposed himself to enemy fire while escorting casualties to the CCP, repositioning men, redistributing weapons and equipment, and working to ensure the Platoon Leader and Platoon Sergeant were kept abreast of the section’s ammunition and casualty status. Staff Sergeant Wolford’s actions served to inspire other soldiers on the battlefield and motivated his section to continue the fight despite physical injury, vehicle damage, and fatigue. Staff Sergeant Wolford’s desire and ability to lead from the front and completely employ all assigned weapons greatly contributed to the success of the platoon and the mission.